The Bandit Queens

By Parini Shroff

Book Overview

NATIONAL BESTSELLER - GOOD MORNING AMERICA BUZZ PICK - A young Indian woman finds the false rumors that she killed her husband surprisingly useful--until other women in the village start asking for her help getting rid of their own husbands--in this razor-sharp debut.

"A radically feel-good story about the murder of no-good husbands by a cast of unsinkable women."--The New York Times Book Review (Editors' Choice)

Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal - A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Shondaland, She Reads, CrimeReads

Five years ago, Geeta lost her no-good husband. As in, she actually lost him--he walked out on her and she has no idea where he is. But in her remote village in India, rumor has it that Geeta killed him. And it's a rumor that just won't die.

It turns out that being known as a "self-made" widow comes with some perks. No one messes with her, harasses her, or tries to control (ahem, marry) her. It's even been good for business; no one dares to not buy her jewelry.

Freedom must look good on Geeta, because now other women are asking for her "expertise," making her an unwitting consultant for husband disposal.

And not all of them are asking nicely.

With Geeta's dangerous reputation becoming a double-edged sword, she has to find a way to protect the life she's built--but even the best-laid plans of would-be widows tend to go awry. What happens next sets in motion a chain of events that will change everything, not just for Geeta, but for all the women in their village.

Filled with clever criminals, second chances, and wry and witty women, Parini Shroff's The Bandit Queens is a razor-sharp debut of humor and heart that readers won't soon forget.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593498976
• ISBN13: 9780593498972
• Release Date: January 2024
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

What a roller coaster full of female empowerment, loss, betrayal and enemies becoming friends.

The beginning was giving me Bonnie and Clyde vibes. Then, I was reminded of The Hour of the Witch. In my opinion, an authors’ writing should remind you of a book or a movie because their book has such vivid detailing that you can’t help but reminisce. I was honestly shocked by Farah’s instant bravado because before, she appeared naive and welcoming but the death of her abusive husband seemed to free her from his torment; creating what I think is a cunning, diabolical woman. The book has shown me how manipulative people can be. It’s appalling how people only came to Greeta when they wanted something because those same people are ***holes and thrive on tormenting her. The more I got to understand the backstory of the characters though, I suddenly had a change of heart; like they’re not all bad. The more I read, the more I actually sympathized with the characters; even the cruel Farah and the ‘charming’ Saloni. To sum up this book; it has put me in a love-hate relationship with the characters and certain instances remind me of Hour of the Witch by Christopher A. Bohjalian (I gave it 5 stars).

Great pro-women book!

This book was very immersive. I thoroughly enjoyed this peek into another culture, and the story was excellent. The characters felt real, and their problems were significant; their solutions riveting. I feel like the author didn't flinch from the hard parts but also gave plenty of hope and humor. If you care about women's humanity, and enjoy experiencing other ways of life, this book is perfect!